The EEOICPA was passed in 2000. It provides compensation to workers who became ill as a result of their employment manufacturing nuclear weapons in the USA, as well as their spouses, children, and grandchildren. W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Co. EEOICPA coverage is available for qualified former Workers and their families.
Are you eligible for compensation? If you or a family member worked at this or another AWE facility and became ill, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $150K plus medical benefits. Call EEOICPA Counsel Hugh Stephens at 1-855-548-4494 or fill out our free claim evaluation, We can help even if you’ve already filed, even if your claim was denied!
Here, we have compiled publicly available information and documentation about the facilities covered by the Act to clarify how their activities relate to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Co.
Also Known As: William E. Pratt Manufacturing Co., Klassing Handbrake, Altrachem, Inc., subsidiary of Joslyn Mfg and Supply
State: Illinois
Location: Joliet
Time Period: AWE 1943-1946; Residual Radiation 1947-1989
Facility Type: Atomic Weapons Employer
Facility Description: The W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Company performed metal fabrication tasks (machining and grinding) for the University of Chicago Metallurgical Laboratory beginning in the spring of 1943. The purpose of the machining done by Pratt was to speed up delivery of pieces for the experimental pile and to learn all that could be learned about handing uranium metal in turret lathes and automatic screw machines. In 1944, Pratt was subcontracted by the University of Chicago to finish “short metal rods” by centerless grinding. This work continued until June 30, 1946. The Manhattan Engineer District History indicates that DuPont placed an order with Pratt to turn and grind unbonded Hanford slugs.
During the period of residual contamination, as designated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and as noted in the dates above, employees of subsequent owners and operators of this facility are also covered under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.
Listing:
W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Co. is listed as an Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) site under the EEOICPA.
Compensation:
As of 06/14/2015, the total compensation paid under Part B of the EEOICPA, including medical compensation, for workers suffering from the effects of having worked at W.E. Pratt Manufacturing Co. is $904,575.
Site Description:
The facility, located approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) east of the center of Joliet, is a single story masonry building with brick veneer. The building rests on a concrete slab; total floor area is about 1500 m2 (16,100 ft2). Internal partitions for office and other non-manufacturing space are of wood frame construction. Manufacturing area floors are uncovered; other floor areas are tiled with asphalt or ceramic tile. The building roof is multi-tiered with sheet metal and tar-and-gravel coverings. Currently the building is used for light manufacturing operations by the tenant, Klassing Handbrake Company. The current owners are Neal Elens and William Maichen. (Another tenant, Altrachem, Inc., is not in the former Pratt Manufacturing area.)Several sections of a former adjoining building to the east have been demolished. There is a more recently constructed addition, connecting with another building to the east of the facility. To the north of the building is an infrequently used dirt road; there is a loading dock and unpaved truck parking area on the south side. Other open areas of the property are currently unused and are overgrown with grass and low weeds.
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